This is a recap of a previous Women Build event. Click here for information about new and upcoming Women Build events.
With the unusually wet weather California experienced, this was the first year of the annual event where Women Build took place entirely inside and off-site of the intended home address. East West Bank returned as the events lead sponsor, joined by co-sponsors C.W. Driver Companies, Traveler’s Insurance, Union Bank (now US Bank), Stanley Black & Decker, The Tournament of Roses, PFAR and Honeybee Robotics.
Women Build 2023 was held on March 10th and 11th in Pasadena amidst cold and rainy weather. However, there was warmth and celebration as volunteers began building the Olive Ave. home, leading the way to a new future for Gerardo, Brenda and their 3 children, a deserving family who will soon experience the dream of homeownership.
Due to the rain, the annual Women Build event took place at the future site of SGV Habitat’s ReStore in Pasadena (32 N. Sierra Madre Blvd). The space provided a welcoming environment to build, bond in fellowship, and celebrate the empowerment of women.
Women Build is an annual event designed to empower women, inspire change in housing and raise funds to help more families. It is an opportunity for women to show their strength in what is considered a male dominated industry. Volunteers at the event learned new skills, inspired each other, and helped build a home for a hard-working family.
This year SGV Habitat exceeded the goal, raising 25% more funding over last year, with a total of 100k raised. The event also attracted 40% more volunteers, new sponsors and in-kind donations.
Women Build was supported by sponsors, East West Bank, C.W. Driver Companies, Traveler’s Insurance, Stanley Black & Decker, PFARIA, US Bank, Pasadena Tournament of Roses, and Honeybee Robotics. During the event our in-kind sponsors sustained the hard-working volunteers with generous donations provided by The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf, Altadena Grocery Outlet, Holistic Bodywork by Ibrahim, Sparkletts, Perry’s Joint, and Hart House.
Several SGV Habitat past homeowners attended the event as construction leaders, guiding volunteers as they built the frames for the walls that will provide the sub-structure for the Olive Ave. home. Elizabeth and Ofelia are two of those construction leaders and SGV Habitat homeowners who proudly volunteered to help uplift future SGV Habitat homeowners.
“Without you (the volunteers and donors), without your generosity and giving back, it would not be possible for me and my family to be here today as homeowners.” Elizabeth (pictured, left) said as she shared her journey with SGV Habitat.
Ofelia (pictured, right) spoke of her mother’s resilience, taking care of 8 children as a single mother and how growing up, the family would be forced to move every 2 years due to rent increases.
“I went to 8 different schools growing up and moved 12 times,” Ofelia shared. “I wanted to do better for my kids. I never quit, and I never gave up,” she continued. “Because of Habitat my kids were able to stay in the same school, develop and keep friendships and have a stable environment.”
Ofelia’s son joined her as a volunteer at Women Build. He is paying it forward remembering all the volunteers who helped build his home. Subsequently, he joined a union working in the field of construction. His goal is to one day work for Habitat for Humanity.
Keni Silva, actress, model, and philanthropist joined in on the Women Build efforts working alongside volunteers, as she drilled, hammered, and painted providing words of praise for the efforts and achievements of the volunteers.
Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger, serving LA’s 5th district, spoke to volunteers throughout the day on Saturday, lending her ear and support for more affordable homeownership in LA County.
Women Build 2023 Sponsors
